Classes
Our Aim:
Our aim is to provide excellent but affordable classes taught by qualified, professional teachers in a friendly atmosphere, which enables all our pupils to progress and develop their talents. We aim to meet every pupil's individual needs, for the child who comes just for fun, or to gain confidence, or for the more ambitious student who wants to develop a career in the Performing Arts. We follow the ISTD & IDTA internationally recognised dance exam boards & we also offer LAMDA drama qualifications. All our classes aim to improve self awareness, develop technique and improve self confidence whilst having fun ... and everyone is important to us!
Take a look at our CLASSES.
Ballet
Ballet gives you a fantastic grounding for all other types of dancing. It teaches you how to stand correctly and walk with grace and poise - qualities that will be of benefit to you for years to come. Classes improve strength and fitness and will improve flexibility. Classes are taught using the ISTD syllabuses. Children are taken from 2 1/2 in our pre school classes and we have classes to suit every age and ability through to advanced level. Contact us for more information.
Contemporary Dance
Contemporary dance was developed in the early 20th century, pioneers such as Isadora Duncan and Martha Graham searched for ease of movement using the body's natural lines and energy, allowing a greater range and fluidity of movement than conventional dance techniques.
It is an outer expression of an inner feeling. In class children work individually and in groups. We encourage the children to use their imagination and give them the opportunity to express their own ideas about a particular theme. We give them the chance to be creative and experiment with their own choreography whilst learning about the quality of movement.
Drama and Musical Theatre
Drama is fun and the skills learned will be beneficial to pupils in all aspects of life, now and in the future. It allows children to explore and express feelings in many situations, increasing their experience and awareness of the world. Drama classes help children to develop their imagination, decision making and problem solving skills, whilst building self confidence and a sense of respect and consideration for others.
We give our pupils the opportunity to study improvisation, role play, characterisation, mime and scripted work. We also include singing as a group and solo if desired, as this also helps to develop articulation and communication skills.
Our pupils are also given practical training and experience in the technical approach to theatre production, set, props, stage make-up, costume and direction. They are given the opportunity to perform in front of each other and to an audience, with at least one production in a theatre every year. Our lessons are lively and fun and are always over subscribed! (LAMDA and IDTA examinations can be taken)
Jazz
Jazz dance is taught using the ISTD Jazz awards syllabus, bronze, silver and gold. This class is designed to build on the technique learned in Modern Theatre dance, developing the dancers' sense of performance. Jazz dance incorporates all the current street dance trends. (ISTD examinations in Jazz can be taken in Bronze, Silver and Gold)
Limbering and Stretch Dance
Limbering and stretch class is for any of our current dancers in years 3 and above. This class complements all other dance classes and helps so much with flexibility and strength. Each class starts with a physical warm up and then we work on loosening and strengthening the legs, we work on exercises for the abdominals and back and practise kicks, leaps, turns and split lines. The class is fun, suitable for any ability and has guarenteed improvements if you attend regularly. We encourage as many of our pupils to do the class as possible.
Modern Theatre Dance
Modern Theatre dance evolves with the changing fashions of dance throughout the world. Children are taught the ISTD syllabus which incorporates limbering and stretching exercises, isolations and dance movements, teaching them a firm technique. (ISTD examinations in Modern Theatre can be taken from Primary to Advanced 2)
National Dance
National dance brings the joy of Folk Dance to all ages. Folk dance develops a sense of community and awareness of others. Pupils get the opportunity to dance in couples and small groups and have great fun as they learn dances from all over the world. The dancers have the opportunity to study traditional dances, costumes, music and customs from different countries and at the same time they learn lots of information about each country. ISTD examinations in National can be taken from Primary to Advanced 2. Folk dance studies can also be taken where children learn about one country in more detail. Rosettes and Star dance awards can also be taken with the IDTA.
Pointe
As soon as the girls are ready and they have had enough experience with their ballet on Demi Pointe, we introduce Pointe work in a separate class.
Street Dance
Street Dance classes cover locking, popping, freestyle, breaking, hip hop, isolations and many more! We follow the UDO syllabus and exams are available with the IDTA.
Tap
Tap dance develops a sense of rhythm and it compliments every style of dancing. Children and adults are taught the ISTD syllabus which incorporates a range of technical exercises and dance routines that build up through each grade. (ISTD examinations in Tap can be taken from Primary to Advanced 2 and Tap awards Bronze, Silver and Gold)
Performance Team
Aims of the class:
Meet new friends of all different ages
Improve flexibility and fitness
Enjoy different styles of dancing
No set syllabus to follow
None competitive element
Emphasis is on fun and creating dance routines to perform in our organised events and if we are lucky enough to be asked, performances at events around the surrounding area. The amount of performances we do outside on our own will vary depending on what else is going on in the school calendar and the availability of suitable events. You will be notified when we are asked to take part in outside events.
Class requirements:
Children must attendat least one other dance lesson a week with us, preferably Modern Theatre, Jazz or Ballet.
Age range: From year 3+
A different uniform is available especially for this class - details on the website. Please make sure you have this once you have been with us a term, as we wear this to all our events.
Terms and conditions:
When given notifications of any event, please notify us immediately if you can't take part. We will then decide if it is possible for the group to take part in the event.
Everyone is part of the team - attendance at classes is vital. Although we are not competing, the standard at the shows we attend is high and for us to achieve a high standard; we need everyone there at class every week. We currently only rehearse once a week for an hour.
Please read all letters carefully and hand entry money and costume money in on time as we have deadlines to meet in order to secure our place in the show. If you are asked to bring any additional costume or props, please make sure that you bring them.
If you would like to come and join the fun, book your place with Miss Alison on 07734305348.
Pre School Class
Pre School Ballet
A fun introduction to classical ballet. A wonderful way for young children to gain confidence, improve flexibility and strength whilst having fun. Our class will teach them to stand correctly and walk with grace and poise - qualities that will be of benefit to them for the rest of their lives! Come and join the fairies and elves as they dance around the magical garden.
Pre School Tap
Tap dancing fun for under 5's - A creative introduction to Tap Dancing - Children learn to tap through familiar stories and songs. Themes include on board a ship as a sailor, singing in the rain with an umbrella, marching in a parade with a flag and many more!
Pre School Modern Theatre and Contemporary
Learning to dance is an adventure! Children learn to dance through familiar stories and songs and learn the modern theatre technique through a different theme each week using a variety of props such as scarves, ribbons, hoops and musical instruments. Themes include: A pirate ship, The secret garden, The toy shop and many more. Boys and girls are taken from 2 1/2.
